Orientation on GEMS (2nd Year Curriculum) for Institutional Heads
Date: 10-12 February 2024
Venue: Nice Guest House, Noakhali
Concerned Women for Family Development (CWFD) is committed to advancing its project titled “Urgent Support to Women and Girls in Noakhali District and Bhasan Char (Island): Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence prevention and response service.” As part of ongoing efforts, the project conducted a Head Teacher orientation on the Gender Equity Movement in Schools (GEMS) for the 2nd-year curriculum from 10-12 February 2024 at Nice Guest House, Noakhali.
CWFD has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at addressing issues such as understanding the significance of gender attitudes and norms in shaping societal dynamics, particularly regarding the roles and responsibilities of individuals. Since 2008, the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) has pioneered the Gender Equity Movement in Schools (GEMS) program, focusing on promoting gender equality among girls and boys. This school-based intervention examines social norms defining gender roles and works to counter gender-based violence.
In Bangladesh, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) initiated work on GEMS as part of the Generation Breakthrough project in 2012, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This project equips young people with essential life skills and knowledge, employing innovative approaches to positively influence attitudes and behaviors concerning gender roles, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health. The GEMS curriculum continues to play a vital role within the adolescent and youth program, fostering healthier and more fulfilling futures for the youth of Bangladesh.
Main Objective
The primary aim of this orientation was to raise awareness among Head Teachers about the GEMS Curriculum. The goal was to facilitate a shift in attitudes, enabling Head Teachers to actively participate in the implementation and monitoring of the GEMS Curriculum within their schools.
Specific Objectives
- Discussion about GEMS Manual, Year-II topics in detail
- Knowledge sharing through discussion about GEMS Year-I in brief
- Promoting ‘Alapon Helpline’ to Head Teachers
Activities Performed During the Orientation Programme
Day 1
Md. Sanwarul Hoque Khan, the Head of A&Y Programme, delivered a welcome speech. Dr. Sadia Samrin Hridi, Field Officer of Noakhali-UNFPA, graced the event. Mr. ABM Abdul Alim, the esteemed president of the Teachers Association, chaired the program. The Executive Director of CWFD, Ladly K. Fiaz, joined virtually as the chief guest. Shamima Akhter, Gender Promoter at the Noakhali Field Office, moderated the event.
The session started with reflections on the experience gained from implementing GEMS Year-I and discussed the objectives of GEMS sessions. The topics of GEMS Year-I, including gender, sexual and reproductive health, violence, and emotions, were covered through engaging group work and discussions.
Day 2
On the second day, Honorable District Education Officer (DEO) Mr. Nur Uddin Md Jahangir and Upazila Secondary Education Officer (USEO) Ms. Shamima Akhter joined the orientation. The session included a recap and a detailed discussion based on the GEMS Manual’s Year-II module. Topics covered were Drug Addiction, HIV/AIDS, Relationships, Responsibilities and Expectations in Relationships, and Conflict Management. These were explored through experience sharing and group activities.
Day 3
The final day focused on adolescents’ role in preventing early marriage. The training concluded with a feedback session where participants shared their thoughts and learnings. DEO of Noakhali, Nur Uddin Md Jahangir, gave the closing speech, thanking CWFD for the successful event. He was joined by the M&E and Documentation Officer of CWFD, USEO, UNFPA representatives, and facilitators who also gave closing remarks. Nure Alam Siddiqi, Noakhali Field Officer of CWFD, moderated the session.
Outcome
- Participants engaged in discussions and activities, increasing awareness of the GEMS Curriculum and empowering Head Teachers to implement and monitor it within their schools.
- Discussions on the GEMS Manual Year-II provided valuable insights into drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, relationships, responsibilities, and conflict management.
- Knowledge sharing sessions offered an overview of GEMS Year-I, enhancing participants’ understanding of its objectives and methodologies.
- Promotion of resources like the ‘Alapon Helpline’ provided essential support services for addressing gender-based violence and promoting reproductive health in schools.
Challenges and Successes
The orientation was successfully conducted despite challenges such as participant availability. Active participation and productive discussions ensured the program’s momentum. Overall, the orientation was a crucial step in fostering a supportive environment for promoting sexual and reproductive health and preventing gender-based violence in educational institutions in Noakhali District.
